SPIDR System in the Surface Transient Testing Marketplace
By Rod Kelly |
Fri, 18 Nov 2011
The name SPIDR is to surface transient testing what Xerox is to photocopying. The SPIDR was introduced in the mid-80’s as a method to utilize surface pressures for conversion to BHP. This revolutionary new system provided a NO RISK / LOW COST alternative to running wire and pressure gauges downhole. Because of the SPIDR’s wide exposure and acceptance in the USA and around the world, as a viable alternative to conventional testing techniques, there have been many “copycats” that have sprung up over the years. It is also not unusual for us to hear of instances when a customer has requested a “SPIDR” but gotten something different...a different gauge, different service, different follow-up. We’ve even had angry customers call us up to ask about that “SPIDR gauge” they had on their well and why the gauge and/or the service failed to meet their expectations.
The primary gauge advantage we have is that our SPIDR incorporates a Dual Quartz transducer and is specifically designed for pressure transient (PTA) testing (high data frequency capture, high resolution, ambient temperature compensation, etc.). Most if not all other surface pressure gauges available incorporate lower quality transducers because they have not been designed for PTA applications but rather PROCESS applications. These gauges are significantly cheaper because non-quartz transducers can be produced at a fraction of the cost of quartz. The SPIDR gauge has been continuously refined over the past 26 years to deliver maximum reliability and energy efficiency. The gauge is classified "Intrinsically Safe" and suitable for all Class 1, Division 1 Hazardous Environments.
The SPIDR gauge is built by Data Retrieval Corporation and is only available for rental. The continuous evolution of the gauge makes it impractical to support multiple versions of this very sophisticated system. However, we still sell the SPIDR gauge today but only under a few narrow circumstances as listed below.
- To an agent or designated representative in a foreign country for provision as a rental item in the local marketplace.
- To operators working outside of the USA who have specific long-term applications where renting/leasing is not feasible because of importation/re-exportation issues and where we don’t currently have local representation.
Purchased pressure gauges frequently encounter reliability and performance issues as field personnel rotate in and out, typically not trained to maintain precision equipment and because during busy times, routine & necessary maintenance is not performed which can lead to catastrophic gauge failure or just the failure to record important pressure data on a key well.
If you want a SPIDR and the service/reliability that DRC provides give us a call or drop us an email to get the REAL SPIDR and the service/response that you require. Remember, only Data Retrieval Corporation has the SPIDR and the service quality you desire. It is also available to you no matter where you are in the world in a matter of a few days.
